Why should the composer be more guilty than the poet who warms to fantasy by a strange flame, making an idea that inspires him the subject of his own very different treatment?

- Franz Schubert

Why does God endow us with compassion?

- Franz Schubert

Our castle is not imposing, but is well built, and surrounded by a very fine garden. I live in the bailiff's house.

- Franz Schubert

Above all things, I must not get angry. If I do get angry I knock all the teeth out of the mouth of the poor wretch who has angered me.

- Franz Schubert

There are eight girls in the house in which I am living, and practically all of them are good looking. You can realize that I am kept busy.

- Franz Schubert

The manager is to be blamed who distributes parts to his players which they are unable to act.

- Franz Schubert

I never force myself to be devout except when I feel so inspired, and never compose hymns of prayers unless I feel within me real and true devotion.

- Franz Schubert

A man endures misfortune without complaint.

- Franz Schubert

The world resembles a stage on which every man is playing a part.

- Franz Schubert

Approval or blame will follow in the world to come.

- Franz Schubert

I am composing like a god, as if it simply had to be done as it has been done.

- Franz Schubert

If only your pure and clean mind could touch me, dear Haydn, nobody has a greater reverence for you than I have.

- Franz Schubert

Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.

- Franz Schubert

The moment is supreme.

- Franz Schubert

There are two contrary impulses which govern this man's brain-the one sane, and the other eccentric. They alternate at regular intervals.

- Franz Schubert

One bites into the brass mouthpiece of his wooden cudgel, and the other blows his cheeks out on a French horn. Do you call that Art?

- Franz Schubert

Easy mind, light heart. A mind that is too easy hides a heart that is too heavy.

- Franz Schubert

No one feels another's grief, no one understands another's joy. People imagine they can reach one another. In reality they only pass each other by.

- Franz Schubert

Every night when I go to bed, I hope that I may never wake again, and every morning renews my grief.

- Franz Schubert

I try to decorate my imagination as much as I can.

- Franz Schubert